Working Principle of the Single Wire and Cable Burning Tester

The Single Wire and Cable Burning Tester is an advanced Flammability Test Chamber designed to evaluate the fire-retardant performance of single wires and insulated cables under standardized vertical burning conditions. Built on stable flame generation, precise specimen positioning, automated monitoring, and data visualization, this tester ensures highly repeatable results and full compliance with IEC 60332-1, GB/T 18380, and GB/T 5169.14.

This article introduces the tester’s working principle, testing method, standard compliance, and industrial applications, helping users understand how the system supports fire-safety assessments for electrical manufacturing, household appliances, and certification laboratories.

1. Working Principle of the Single Wire and Cable Burning Tester

The system operates through four integrated modules that reproduce real-fire combustion conditions in a controlled vertical flame test.

1.1 Stable Flame Generation and Precision Control

A 1 kW pre-mixed flame burner produces a consistent and highly stable test flame.

Gas type: High-purity propane or LPG

Gas flow rate: 0.1–1 L/min

Air flow rate: 3–30 L/min

Imported digital control module ensures flame stability during gas pressure fluctuations

Flame temperature strictly meets IEC/GB testing requirements

This stable flame ensures repeatable, standardized test conditions for all wire and cable samples.

1.2 Accurate Sample Positioning & Combustion Setup

The sample is:

Cut to 600 ± 25 mm

Mounted vertically in the chamber

Aligned so the lower end intersects the flame center

The chamber is constructed with a multi-layer anti-corrosion steel structure, providing a controlled combustion environment free from external airflow interference.

1.3 Automated Monitoring of Combustion Parameters

The control system uses high-precision sensors and automated logic to record:

Ignition / combustion time: 0.1–999.9 s

Afterburning time

Afterglow duration

Flame spread (upward / downward)

Droplet generation and droplet ignition (cotton placed 100 mm below)

The burner automatically retracts after the ignition duration, ensuring full automation and operator safety.

1.4 Digital Data Recording and Visualization

A full-color LCD touchscreen provides:

Real-time parameter display

Automatic data logging

Test result storage and export

This digital workflow eliminates manual errors and ensures complete traceability.

2. Standardized Flammability Testing Method (IEC60332 & GB/T)

The vertical flame test follows three key phases: Preparation → Execution → Evaluation

2.1 Test Preparation

Sample requirement

Length: 600 ± 25 mm

Conductor diameter > 0.8 mm or cross-section > 0.5 mm²

Fine wires (<1 mm) require BND-DDR1 configuration

Equipment preparation

Air compressor pressure: 0.7 MPa

Burner calibrated to 1 kW pre-mixed flame

Test ignition time: 30 s or 60 s according to standards

Sample installation

Vertical mounting

Lower end positioned at the flame center

Cotton pad placed 100 mm below to evaluate flaming droplets

2.2 Test Execution

Burner applies flame at a 45° angle

System records ignition, afterburning, afterglow

Monitors charred length and flame spread

Captures droplet frequency and cotton ignition

2.3 Result Evaluation (Pass/Fail Criteria)

3. Standards Supported by the Wire Burning Tester

The system conforms to global flame-retardant testing standards:

International Standards

IEC 60332-1-1 / 1-2 / 1-3

IEC 60695-11-2

Chinese National Standards

GB/T 18380.11 / 12 / 13

GB/T 5169.14

This ensures compatibility with CE, CCC, UL, and global certification requirements.

4. Application Fields

4.1 Wire & Cable Manufacturing

Used for evaluating the flame behavior of:

BV, RVV, YJV, VV cables

General industrial wiring

PVC, XLPE, and special insulated cables

Ensures safety compliance before product release.

4.2 Household Appliance Industry

Suitable for testing internal wiring of:

Refrigerators

Air-conditioners

Washing machines

Small household appliances

Helps prevent electrical fire hazards in consumer electronics.

4.3 Testing & Certification Laboratories

Widely used by third-party labs for:

CE certification

CCC product evaluation

R&D material modification

4.4 Fine Wire & Electronic Components

Optimized for thin insulated wire testing in:

Communication devices

Precision instruments

Electronic assemblies

Ensures safe flame behavior of micro-diameter wires.

5. Product Overview: IEC60332 Single Wire and Cable Vertical Combustion Tester

Key Technical Features

Two burners: Ø2 mm / Ø9.5 mm

Adjustable flame height: 20–190 mm

Combustion time: 0–999.9 s

Propane purity: 98%

Temperature rise:

100°C → 700°C within 45 ± 2 s

Chamber volume: 0.15 m³

Power supply: AC 220V, 50 Hz

A highly stable and fully automated chamber designed for repeatable and professional wire flammability assessment.

Conclusion

The Single Wire and Cable Burning Tester is an essential flammability test chamber for evaluating the fire behavior of electrical wires and cables. With stable flame generation, precise sample positioning, multi-parameter monitoring, and automatic digital recording, the system delivers reliable and repeatable test results.

Compliant with IEC 60332 and GB/T 18380, it is widely used across cable manufacturing, household appliances, certification laboratories, and electronic component industries. As fire-retardant materials evolve, this advanced combustion tester continues to support accurate, high-standard fire-safety evaluation and contributes to long-term electrical fire prevention.